Patterns of failure or malfunction can be predicted over time if all performance is recorded and all assets are properly maintained.
By Anthony Laras, National Transport Manager, Teletrac Navman
Operators of all sizes – from three vehicles to 3,000 – can take advantage of the benefits of GPS vehicle tracking. By knowing where your assets are at all times, you can manage fuel costs, track usage and maintenance, comply with relevant NHVR regulations including the Chain of Responsibility (CoR), and improve driver safety and behavior.
GPS-powered fleet management solutions help digitize paper-based manual processes, enabling operators to better compete in the digital age. The fear of human error can be reduced so that both your drivers and your fleet managers have all the information they need, all the time.
Fleet tracking allows you to perform predictive maintenance
Technology must be easy to use and provide both immediate and long-term benefits. Teletrac Navman’s platform combines artificial intelligence and machine learning to help operators easily interpret and share data through the Insights tool.
This data can also be used for predictive maintenance. Patterns of failure or malfunction can be predicted over time if all performance is recorded and all assets are properly maintained. You can better understand maintenance intervals based on distance traveled, so oil changes, brake inspections, tire rotations, and many other tasks can be performed as needed so you don’t fall behind.
Depending on the characteristics of your fleet, preventative maintenance may need to be performed before the manufacturer-specified intervals. While an oil or fluid change, engine maintenance, or brake service upfront may seem like an extra hassle, it can save money in the long run.
No one wants a breakdown due to an overlooked maintenance schedule. You don’t want to be hundreds of miles from your destination and not have your coolant topped off or a tire checked. The downtime associated with a breakdown is also costly in the form of wages, lost productivity, unhappy customers and missed loads – having a truck off the road can be a heavy drain on any operator’s budget, regardless of size.
When it comes to maintenance, it is just as important for your vehicles as it is for your assets, equipment or trailers. Asset tracking continues to help with orders that are often spread across state lines or even just long distances within the city. You know the vehicle is in the location where the service technician is supposed to work. It is not uncommon for an engineer to drive several hours to a job site only to discover that the equipment he was supposed to be working on is no longer there. With fleet management software, such costly and time-consuming mistakes can be completely avoided.
The role of the drivers
Drivers are the people who interact with your vehicles the most, meaning they play a crucial role in the maintenance and roadworthiness of your fleet. But drivers also need training to carry out pre- and post-trip checks. This training allows them to identify problems before they arise and impact your business.
As a driver, you can use an electronic checklist that allows you to perform inspections via a device in the cab. The device then sends a digital report to your fleet manager or workshop team, notifying them in real time so they can plan the vehicle’s required service and maintenance.
Manage trailer weights and maintenance
Trailers can be neglected when it comes to service and maintenance, but operators can use Smart OBM and Telematics Monitoring (TMA) applications to maximize the life of their trailers and achieve necessary regulatory compliance.
Most operators are familiar with the concepts of Smart OBM and TMA, which use digital technology to capture and transmit the mass of axle groups and then calculate the total mass of the vehicle in a reliable and standardized way.
By putting fleet management data at their fingertips – and allowing drivers to know what their axle loads are at the touch of a button – Smart OBM enables operators and their drivers to drive productively and safely in vehicles and trailers purpose-built for the job.
Understanding axle and wheel loads also helps the operator identify when trailer maintenance needs to be performed, including tire changes. This ultimately saves time and money for the operator by minimizing the time the trailer is off the road for repairs.
A tracking solution offers countless advantages, both for the prime mover and its trailer. Operators using these solutions can stay on top of maintenance, save money by avoiding unplanned downtime, and increase the bottom line through more efficient fuel use.
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